Secondhand Lions

The premise is absolutely brilliant. It reminded me of the time when Hollywood was producing those family dramas with a touch of fantasy, like when Tim Burton managed to create Big Fish. But Tim McCanlise isn’t Tim Burton. He had good luck with the movie uncles, who were portrayed here by Michael Caine and Robert Duvall with absolute perfection, but I still couldn’t shake the feeling that a number of important scenes could have been way better. For example, the plot with the lioness. Such a beautiful, sad, and fated story and they cut it off kind of weirdly… as if nothing had happened, even though it was in the premise. The film was really nice to watch. However, I realized after the viewing that I was slightly missing emotions in here and an actual reason to really root for the young Haley Osment. (11/04/2018)

When the representative for young Forrest Gump was chosen years ago and H.J. Osment was chosen, few probably knew he would someday look like Tom Hanks. In moments when he sits in front of the door in a shirt and trousers, with his hands on his knees, everyone must think of Forrest. It's just a pity that he can't handle intense moments and is at least clumsy in them. Fortunately, the duo Caine+Duvall created the most lovable duo of uncles, and I would even switch places with the main character at times. This educational fairy tale simply works perfectly, and although some scenes (the educational fight in the pub) could be shortened or omitted, I willingly devoured the sentimental finale. 90% (03/04/2006)

A pleasant film that - although it is full of talk about dying, among other things - is so optimistic that you have to smile or laugh practically from beginning to end. And this is mainly thanks to the central duo played superbly by Mr. Cain and Mr. Duvall. They make fun of themselves, they make fun of others (and often shoot at them), they are cynical and they are not interested in anyone... They are literally pushed into this mood by a grandnephew played by Haley Joel Osment. All three then deliver a lovely adventure-family spectacle that is as funny as it is touching and wise. It deserves four pure stars thanks to Patrick Doyle's music (which stands out both during Cain's descriptions of African escapades and during quiet, contemplative moments).__P.S. What happened to director Tim McCanlies? Why didn't he keep filming? (08/21/2010)